Monday, May 25, 2020

Propaganda Maps

All maps are designed with a purpose; whether to aid in navigation, accompany a news article, or display data. Some maps, however, are designed to be particularly persuasive. Like other forms of propaganda, cartographic propaganda attempts to mobilize viewers for a purpose. Geopolitical maps are the most explicit examples of cartographic propaganda, and throughout history have been utilized to garner support for various causes. Propaganda Maps in Global Conflicts This map from the film depicts the Axis powers plan to conquer the world. In maps such as the aforementioned propaganda map, authors express specific feelings on a topic, creating maps that are meant not just to describe information, but also to interpret it. These maps are often not made with the same scientific or design procedures as other maps; labels, precise outlines of bodies of land and water, legends, and other formal map elements may be disregarded in favor of a map that speaks for itself. As the above image shows, these maps favor graphic symbols that are embedded with meaning. Propaganda maps gained momentum under Nazism and Fascism, as well. There are many examples of Nazi propaganda maps that were intended to glorify Germany, justify territorial expansion, and decrease support for the U.S., France, and Britain (see examples of Nazi propaganda maps at the German Propaganda Archive). During the Cold War, maps were produced in order to magnify the threat of the Soviet Union and communism. A recurrent trait in propaganda maps is the ability to portray certain regions as big and menacing, and other regions as small and threatened. Many Cold War maps enhanced the size of the Soviet Union, which magnified the threat of communisms influence. This occurred in a map titled Communist Contagion, which was published in a 1946 edition of Time Magazine. By coloring the Soviet Union in bright red, the map further enhanced the message that communism was spreading like a disease. Mapmakers utilized misleading map projections to their advantage in the Cold War as well. The Mercator Projection, which distorts land areas, exaggerated the size of the Soviet Union. (This map projection website shows different projections and their effect on the portrayal of the USSR and its allies). Propaganda Maps Today choropleth map maps The maps on this site show how political maps can mislead today. One map shows the results of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, with blue or red indicating if a state voted majority for the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, or the Republican candidate, John McCain. From this map there appears to be more red then blue, indicating that the popular vote went Republican. However, the Democrats decidedly won the popular vote and the election, because the population sizes of the blue states are much higher than those of the red states. To correct for this data issue, Mark Newman at the University of Michigan created a Cartogram; a map that scales the state size to its population size. While not preserving the actual size of each state, the map shows a more accurate blue-red ratio, and better portrays the 2008 election results. Propaganda maps have been prevalent in the 20th century in global conflicts when one side wants to mobilize support for its cause. It is not only in conflicts that political bodies utilize persuasive mapmaking however; there are many other situations in which it benefits a country to portray another country or region in a particular light. For example, it has benefited colonial powers to use maps to legitimize territorial conquest and social/economic imperialism. Maps are also powerful tools to garner nationalism in ones own country by graphically portraying a countrys values and ideals. Ultimately, these examples tell us that maps are not neutral images; they can be dynamic and persuasive, used for political gain. References: Boria, E. (2008). Geopolitical Maps: A Sketch History of a Neglected Trend in Cartography. Geopolitics, 13(2), 278-308. Monmonier, Mark. (1991). How to Lie with Maps. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Compare and contrast the treatment of the American dream in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman Free Essay Example, 1000 words

In fact, he reveals that Gatsby himself had many cars such as Chauffeur, the station wagon and a flashy Rolls Royce, which symbolized to the society who the person is. In this regard, Fitzgerald reveals that it was not only having the car, wearing expensive clothes or owning a beautiful house that was important rather showing them off to the community (Fitzgerald 28). As much as Jay Gatsby believes that acquiring material wealth is the means to personal fulfillment as portrayed in the Great Gatsby, the Death of a Salesman, by Miller appear to reverse this concept arguing that personal success is a means to acquiring the material dream (Millerand Brater 3). In this movie, Miller depicts a very confused dream brought out through Willy Loman, the main character in the movie. Miller depicts Willy Loman as a character who is not in a position to differentiate the issues of being ‘well linked’ and material wealth (Millerand Brater 3). Miller asserts, â€Å"be liked and you w ill never want† (Millerand Brater 6). By this statement, Miller appears to imply that in order to become successful professionally and financially, one needs to be popular. We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and contrast the treatment of the American dream in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This is a direct opposite of what Jay Gatsby believed in since according to Gatsby, one need to acquire the wealth first in order to become successful and popular (Fitzgerald 4). Willy plunges into the past where there was a close link between emotions and commerce. Doing so is one way by which Miller demonstrates the American Dream, a dream that cannot be altered with time. This dream is carried by the American citizen’s determined not to allow the society to destroy it (Millerand Brater 6). This is clearly shown when Happy’s swearing to continue with the dream being pursued by Willy after his demise. As such, it is apparent that both Miller and Fitzgerald present the American dream as all-consuming. For instance, one can conclude that the left over of lemons and oranges after Gatsby’s party depicts how Fitzgerald felt about the way the 1920s society treated its dreamers. In this case, Gatsby appears to have viewed the gests pr esent at the party as ‘pulpless halves’ that eat all that is provided without thinking of whoever gave it to them(Fitzgerald 25). Miller, on the other hand, show the concept of American dream as all-con summing when he asserted, â€Å"You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away- a man is not a piece of fruit! † (Millerand Brater 13). By this statement, Miller believes that he has been used by his sales company.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Feminism And Radical Feminism - 1176 Words

Exam Question # 2 Radical Feminism is a form of feminism that emerged in the 1960s from the women’s movement. This form takes a more drastic approach to women’s empowerment and equality than the Liberal Feminism stance. Radical Feminism is defined as the belief that society is a patriarchal one controlled by men in all aspects of it. Women are oppressed not only socially and economically, but sexually and biologically. Radical Feminists are defined by key beliefs, such as subjugation maintained through violence and sexual slavery. Women are said to be tricked into sexual slavery through institutions such as marriage, and consequently lack control over their own bodies. Women are told to aspire to being a mother and wife above all else.†¦show more content†¦This form is especially influenced by the teachings of Karl Marx. For example, women are seen as a key component of the family in society, Marxists view this as a sign of oppression rooted in labor. Because w omen are expected to remain home and care for the family they are partaking in free domestic labor and receive no income from it. As a result, they are dependent on men financially and are viewed as a form of free labor who are exploited by men. Radical feminists would view this more as a tool for men to have access to sexual gratification and limit the freedom of women outside of the home. Marxist feminists point out the exploitation faced by women that relegate them to second class citizenship and financially dependent on men. They point out that women, especially women of color, are paid less for their work than their counterparts of a different sex and of white women in the workforce. They also argue that women are brainwashed and influenced to think housework is their most essential role and their treatment in the workplace promotes this ideal of domestic labor. While radical feminists believe in overthrowing the patriarchal society to secure women’s rights and equality , Marxists believe in overthrowing the capitalist system specifically. Women would have equal access to income and economic prosperity, and all duties such as domestic labor could be split equally among both sexes and exploitation would come to an end. OnlyShow MoreRelatedLiberal Feminism vs. Radical Feminism Essay1490 Words   |  6 PagesLiberal Feminism and Radical Feminism The goal of feminism as both a social movement and political movement is to make women and men equal not only culturally, but socially and legally. Even though there are various types of feminism that focus on different goals and issues, the ultimate end to feminism is abolishing gender inequality that has negative effects on women in our society. 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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Great Depression Essay Example For Students

Great Depression Essay The Great DepressionThroughout the 1930s, the United States of America underwent its worst economic hardship ever. This struggle, known as the Great Depression, affected every aspect of American life. As the result of economic disparity brought on by the First World War and the great stock market crash of 1929, the depression sent America into a downward spiral into poverty. Businesses filed for bankruptcy, farmers were unable to sell crops, and banks were incapable of providing people with their money as the once booming economy came crashing down. The most profound impact that the Great Depression had, however, was on the social lives of the American population. As poverty struck, numerous Americans were left without food, jobs, and, of course, money. Eventually, the people were forced to move into broken down communities, which they named Hoovervilles, after president Herbert Hoover. The depression even had many gradual psychological effects on the unemployed workers. Family statu s also changed during this time as unemployed men spent more time at home and the influence of wives began to increase. Much American Literature about the hardships of American life, by authors such as John Steinbeck and William Faulkner, also became prominent in the 1930s. Overall, aside from its obvious economic effects, the Great Depression also significantly altered the American way of life. As the Great Depression stretched throughout the country in the early 1930s, many families were left without money and forced to live on stale food and even garbage. Needless to say, these people were unable to make the necessary payments on their homes and apartments and were forced to live elsewhere. As thousands of unemployed Americans roamed about the country without food or shelter, small decrepit communities made of cardboard boxes and other trash were created. As mentioned before, these communities were called Hoovervilles. The Great American Depression forced most Americans into a new unaccustomed and un-welcomed lifestyle. As unemployment became a common status in American life, the efforts put out by workers to find new jobs steadily decreased. After awhile, the jobless people simply began to give up in their efforts to find employment. Those who had held jobs all of their lives became ashamed of themselves and simply lost their ambition. Also, due to the mal-nutrition of t he people during this time, the unemployed simply lacked the energy to do anything about their status. Few protests were held as unemployed workers instead chose to simply linger outside the Municipal Employment buildings. Basically, the common unemployed American was starting to accept his social status rather than fight it. The Depression also had a profound affect on many American families in the 1930s. First, it caused a huge drop in the birthrate from 27.7 per thousand in the 1920s to o18.4 per thousand in the 1930s. During this time, the unemployed men also had much more free time on their hands. This often meant that they were able to spend more time helping their wives with their duties, such as cooking and spending time with the kids. Some men, however, became impatient with their families and refused to help around the house or began to drink. The support of wives also became more important as the husbands continued to struggle with unemployment. Most of the time, wives were sympathetic. Some, however, were contemptuous when their men came home without food or money. Basically, the depression made close families closer and made weak families even weaker. As the Great Depression raged on throughout the United States, many American authors began to critically analyze American lifestyle. In The Gra pes of Wrath, author John Steinbeck described the hardships of farmers that were forced to sell their lands and migrate to California. In this novel, Steinbeck portrayed the fearful and brutal lifestyle that many Americans were forced to live. Author William Faulkner also highlighted the immense poverties that plagued the South in many of his writings, such as Sanctuary and As I Lay Dying. While American society reached an all time low, many American authors, such Steinbeck and Faulkner, illuminated the faults and weaknesses of life in the United States. As America passed from the Roaring Twenties to the disastrous thirties, many aspects of society were altered. When disaster struck, numerous Americans were forced into unemployment, homelessness, and Hoovervilles. As the depression wore on, many jobless citizens gave up on any hopes of possible employment and became stagnant. This unemployed status of many husbands had a large impact on their home and family life. These changes in s ocial living were criticized in the writings of American authors John Steinbeck and William Faulkner. Although the Great Depression was an economic issue, the impact that it had on the social fabric of the country was the greatest in American history.